The Idea Of Moving Out

Do you finally think that you are that that age, where you need/want your own freedom and independence? Or, are your parents telling you day by day, that you should finally find yourself own place and move out? No matter what, it’s a huge decision and a big step into the ‘adulthood’. The plan is that you move out for good, meaning you backup plan can be moving back with your parents, but let’s say that is not the ultimate plan.

ARE YOU REALLY READY?

Meaning financially and mentally. Living by yourself is a great deal, meaning there is no mum who prepares your meals when you come home from work/school and dad can’t help you with changing the tires on your car. Well, depending on how far you moved, but let’s say that we go from one extreme to another.

Cooking, cleaning, budgeting,… This maybe won’t happen the very first month you are leaving by yourself, but let me tell you. You will miss a home cooked meal and after weeks with mess all over the apartment, you will be disgusted with yourself and clean it. Or maybe cleaning being the procrastination method used to avoid other, more important work. And budgeting? Well, saving money is always a plus.

If you can, I would start planning way way in advance.

DO YOU HAVE FINANCES PREPARED?

Look, it’s not just rent and food. It would be simple. Think about all of the expenses. By that, I mean all of them, like shopping trips, detergents, hair salons, personal hygiene products. Everything. Overestimate things, because it’s better to have more in your bank account than a minus before the number.

Also, start building an emergency fund. I know, so adulty right? But, take away some money from every income you have and start saving towards safe point. You never know what might happen, whatever with your job, anywhere. They say that it’s best to have the equivalent of 6 months worth of expenses saved in your bank account, but even a 2-3 months can be good. If you can, I would advise having that kind of money before you even move out, so that you can go panic free into the new world of independence.

THINK OF THE OPTIONS

Okay, the basics are covered, now the hunt. If you are moving to a new city, is maybe the best idea to share the place with roommates. Sharing the expenses and experience, they can show you around and If you find good ones, boom, instant friends. Also, the workload is usually split up, group dinners, washing the clothes in one round,…

If you are financially stable, well, good for you. You can live alone, but that of course means, that you carry all of the expenses on your own. Rent, utilities, appliances are all on you. But, you have more space and privacy.

APARTMENT HUNTING

There are certain times of the year where more options are available than others, so research when this is in your new area of living to ensure the best possible selection. Choose wisely tho. Research the areas, infrastructure with buses, parking if you have a car, supermarkets,… Go and look at the rooms, check the signal of your phone, take pictures so you can compare later.

THAT TRICKY LEASE PART

Read it and then read it again. After you are finished, go ahead and read it again. Not to scare you, but some of them can be a little sneaky. See if it includes the internet or not, free parking, who cares about the maintenance costs of the whole building,… Those little things you maybe don’t think about but they are pretty important and are usually the things where you lose money.

MOVING DAY

Don’t worry, you will forget some things. A month or two and you should be good, get all of your basics sorted off. When I first moved out, I forgot to bring the cutlery with me. So yeah, let’s say that you probably won’t think of everything, so keep a notepad with you, that you write down everything you forgot. Buut, more on that coming soon.

Don’t live just to work or work just to live.

I know, money is a big subject in this theme, but in my opinion, it’s important that you don’t work just to get all your dues paid and be without money at the end of your month. Live within your means, save up a little so you can maybe go somewhere nice, buy something nice to pamper yourself. It’s not all about those extra shifts and hours, live a little too.

Move out, start on your personal growth and on your own life. You are officially an adult now. Well, adult-ish. I think. What actually makes an adult is still an unknown answer.

As much as I love my parents I was so ready to move out asap! I even left the country few days after I graduated high school and it was great experience I’ve learn so much so quickly. Great post with great advices!

I am SO emotionally ready to move out, but unfortunately I am not financially ready at all. I keep obsessively saving my money but it still feels like it’s forever away. I’m grateful that my parents are willing to keep a roof over my head for me, but I’m feeling a little suffocated! Thanks for the post!